Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - old Moto GT, what's it worth?

Hey guys,
I picked up this moto last summer from a local graigslist ad.
It's an early 80's Motobecane Grand Touring
The bike is in near mint condition minus some tarnish on the aluminum
everything but the tires and tubes are original down to the brake pads
the paint is near perfect and everything works perfectly
The problem is it's kinda short for me and I'd like to sell it for a taller bike. Can any of you tell me what it's worth?
Thanks

Those bikes changed pretty much every few years it seems. In the late 70s they had Vitus 172 main triangle, weighting about 25 lbs, Suntour VGT RD, and were sitting right in the middle of the Moto hierarchy below Grand Jubilee and above Super Mirage (but they had DT shifters and did not have turkey wings). Then in the mid 80s were pretty entry model with straight gauge tubes weighing about 28 lbs. But still no turkey wings or stem shifters. Need more information about your bike, like: Is there a tube material sticker of the ST? Steel rims? Components? 27 inch tires? I'd say at least $100 assuming steel wheels and entry level.

+1 Looks close to entry level. Need some guidance on frame tubing, close up of rear derailleur, and are rims aluminum?

Given condition, if it has aluminum rims (and assuming low end high ten steel frame), $125 to $150. Better cromoly frame could push the price around here to $200. Turkey levers and stem shifters would hold down the price.

Those bikes changed pretty much every few years it seems. In the late 70s they had Vitus 172 main triangle, weighting about 25 lbs, Suntour VGT RD, and were sitting right in the middle of the Moto hierarchy below Grand Jubilee and above Super Mirage (but they had DT shifters and did not have turkey wings). Then in the mid 80s were pretty entry model with straight gauge tubes weighing about 28 lbs. But still no turkey wings or stem shifters. Need more information about your bike, like: Is there a tube material sticker of the ST? Steel rims? Components? 27 inch tires? I'd say at least $100 assuming steel wheels and entry level.

+1 IF it is an entry-level version. - But if that is a late 70's issue, with Weinmann alloys, Suntour dr's and the lighter weight (Vitus) frame, I would say 200 would be an average value for such a bike - and $250 for one in super condition. These 70's Gr Touring bikes are really nice - the ride is very similar to my Raleigh Super Course.

It's a vitus frame (not forks, though) , weinmann concave alloys, suntour Vx rear d. it's in great condition and all original down to the brake pads (new tubes/tires). Upstate NY doesn't have much of a bike culture but I'm hoping to find someone willing to spend $200 locally.

It's a vitus frame (not forks, though) , weinmann concave alloys, suntour Vx rear d. it's in great condition and all original down to the brake pads (new tubes/tires). Upstate NY doesn't have much of a bike culture but I'm hoping to find someone willing to spend $200 locally.

I am sure you will find a buyer but you'll need to market it - large clear pics, important specs and an enthusiastic description of its merits.

I should add that although there may be someone who wants it for pure collectability's sake - most people will want to ride it, so personally I don't consider original rubber/cables/brake shoes is a selling point . (= you may have to invest a little to realize the selling price).

I am sure you will find a buyer but you'll need to market it - large clear pics, important specs and an enthusiastic description of its merits.

I should add that although there may be someone who wants it for pure collectability's sake - most people will want to ride it, so personally I don't consider original rubber/cables/brake shoes is a selling point . (= you may have to invest a little to realize the selling price).

+10 To me, all original consumable parts means it has not been properly maintained and will need a thorough (expensive) service. Imagine if you saw an ad for a 30 year old car, and the seller touted that it had the original tires, the original oil, the original belts, had never had a lube job, had the original antifreeze, and so on. Would not be enticing.

Unless it is some unique, super high end bike (which it is not), I would much prefer new cables, new tires, new bearings and grease, and so on.

+10 On the marketing side, to get full market price takes awesome pictures (full size), a great ad, etc. Your efforts in marketing are rewarded in the price you get for the bike. Look at a large city Craigs List, and study some of the ads. You will quickly recognize the good ones. They pop!